Iván Meade is the principal designer of Meade Design Group Inc., a multi-disciplinary interior and graphic design studio in Victoria, BC, Canada that creates interiors and graphics to elegantly reflect the needs and style of their clients.

Wednesday, 21 October 2009

Brooke Giannetti not only does beautiful architectural design with her husband (Steve), stunning interior and furniture designs; she also maintains a very cool blog (Velvet & Linen) and runs a shop with her namesake – Giannetti Home.

Brooke’s interiors are very chic and warm with a feeling of someone really living there, not too stuffy or untouchable. Sophisticated and eclectic with carefully chosen juxtapositions, but always inviting. Her designs certainly evoke positive emotions and nostalgia.

Giannetti Home is very similar, an ever evolving showroom full of rustic pieces from around the world that have age and character. Brooke also has her own line of furniture which is very clean, slim and sophisticated, it would work with an array of styles.

The Velvet & Linen blog follows Giannetti Home’s current projects and inspirations, as well as little tidbits showing the personal side of Brooke, including a very sweet open letter to her 16 year old son.

Giannetti Home has been featured in several newspapers (including The Washington Post), magazines and blogs. She also appeared on The Skirted Roundtable, a popular blog that posts podcasts of roundtable-style discussions about interior design and blogging from a weekly radio show.

Please read on to learn more about this talented designer and blogger…

Iván Meade – What was your first experience with design?

Brooke Giannetti - I would have to say that my mother introduced me to the world of design. Although she was not formally trained, she was always doing something to own home. She even allowed me to design my own bedroom when I was thirteen. Lavender on the walls and carpet with white accents. I owe her a great deal for that!

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – Who or what has influenced your style?

Brooke Giannetti - Steve has been a huge influence because he has been so supportive and has allowed me to explore my own style without judgement.

Brooke Giannetti - Right now my style is a combination of Belgian, French and Swedish with a little industrial thrown in. I love the cleaned up version of Belgian design as seen in the Beta Plus books, but with a little French and Swedish softness thrown in the mix.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What designers of past and present do you admire most?

Brooke Giannetti – Windsor Smith for her daring and the lightness she instills into all of her projects. They always put a smile on my face. Joe Nye and Madeline Stuart for their incredible attention to detail. Barbara Wiseley. I could live in her own home. Our friend and Steve's client, Kelly Harmon. She creates the most serene idyllic homes.

John Saladino, the master of scale. His books have a permanent place on my desk. I love his ability to combine rustic with modern.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What inspired you to begin a blog?

Brooke Giannetti – My friend Mary suggested that I start a blog. I had no idea what they were. I really started Velvet and Linen as an on-line journal to document all of my projects as well as the things that I love.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – How has the blog influenced your designs and your career?

Brooke Giannetti - The blog has been an unexpected gift. I think Velvet and Linen has enabled me to become clearer about my design style. There is nothing like having to put things in writing to get some clarity. The blog has also given our work a huge amount of exposure. With many of the shelter magazines shutting their doors, blogs have become a wonderful venue for our work.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What do you consider to be your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?

Brooke Giannetti - Steve would say that my greatest strength is my lack of formal training. I design from my gut. My biggest weakness is when I allow insecurity to sneak into my head.

.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What is it like balancing a store, blog, design business and family all at once? How do you manage?!

Brooke Giannetti - It's crazy. The only way I manage is because I have a wonderful support system.

Iván Meade – What are you excited about right now in the world of design?

Brooke Giannetti – I think that the internet has opened up the world of design to everyone. You can live anywhere and see what people around the world are focusing on in design. To me that is very exciting.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – The products in your store seem to be constantly changing due to all of the one-of-a-kinds you sell. What is your favourite piece in the store right now?

Brooke Giannetti - Although I love the Swedish antique pieces in our store the things that really excite me right now are our furniture line and Steve's paintings.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What is it that you love so much about antique Swedish pieces?

Brooke Giannetti - The clean lines combined with simple details. They work so well with the industrial pieces that we love.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What would be your dream project?

Brooke Giannetti - A beach house for a client who says: "I love what you and Steve do. Do what you want. I'll be back in a year."

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What project has given you the most satisfaction?

Brooke Giannetti - Right now our own home in Oxnard. Steve and I use it as our science design lab. We try out all of the things that nobody else will let us do, yet...

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – What is your next design venture?

Brooke Giannetti - We are designing more furniture pieces as well as an accessories line. It's so much fun to concentrate on small pieces. It's like jewelry for the home.

Interior by Brooke Giannetti

Iván Meade – Lastly, you have already created a stunning body of work with many mediums and styles. What would you like your legacy to be?

Terrific interview! Isn't she amazing? Brooke's generousity continues to expose her fans to new facets of the design community. I now know about Ivan and Meade Design Group. Thank you, Brooke and Ivan!Michael Eye

Brooke is truly inspirational, her style is impeccable, fresh and original. Her spouse Steve is an amazing Architect - I love following her Velvet and Linen blog to see what new projects they are working on- both of them are unique and have different styles that compliment one another. Thanks Ivan for interviewing Brooke and recognizing a very talented young designer.

great interview - i adore Brooke's style, well no, actually make that love her style - she's the best, beautiful inside and out to tell you the truth. the portfolio speaks for itself - it just gets better and better.

I have a feeling Brooke will be one of the designers that will stand the test of time. She creates interiors that nourish not only the eye, but the soul. Her internal balance and beauty yields interiors that equate with the best designers throughout time, with an eye for serenity, comfort, scale, and a soft palette.

I agree with Michelle, without "knowing" two people personally, I have learned much from them and consider them (especially Brooke) friends. They have a gift only God gives..talent beyond comprehension.

Great Interview, Brooke is one of my favorites. I visit her blog every day and always come away inspired. I love her keeping it real spirit and her consistency to good design but always staying true to herself and her client. Kathysue

What a down to earth personality in the world of design! You don't often see such a tremendous talent be someone who's so committed to her family.

The Giannetti's are inspiration not only because of the fantastic work they do, but they do it as a team. As someone who works closely with their partner I know how challenging but rewarding that can be.

I look forward to seeing the Giannetti's continued success and will be a new fan of their blog!

Such a heartfelt and sweet interview - I don't know what more I can say that people haven't said already.

Although, from the great comments we have received already, it seems like she is a well-loved designer on the rise! This is just the tip of the iceberg for her it seems - we may have a mogul in the making!

The cream of the crop rises to the top and we get the pleasure of a great interview too. How lucky we are to have both of you (Ivan and Brooke) to share your time and talents with us. We designers and creatives are truly blessed. Thank You.

It is great that you have recognised Brookes talents. Makes me smile that she isn't formally trained and it is just a gift that she has harnessed and put to use beautifully.Thanks brooke for mentioning Marley & Lockyer as one of your inspirations...I am blushing!!Ness xx

Ivan, I absolutely love your blog... and was so excited to see you interview another favorite of mine. I follow Brooke's blog religiously, and enjoyed learning about her influences in this interview. This industry at times can be intimidating and 'stand-offish', and Brooke's honesty is really refreshing. Thanks to you both for all that you do.